2026 APS Alonzo A. Crim Awards

Atlanta Public Schools proudly hosted its annual Crim Champion Award Ceremony, celebrating the exceptional staff members who go above and beyond to support our students, schools, and communities.

This special event honors the dedication, passion, and hard work of APS employees whose commitment to student success makes a lasting impact every day. From the classroom to the front office and beyond, our Crim Champions exemplify what it means to serve with purpose and put students first.

Join us as we celebrate this year’s honorees and recognize the people who help make Atlanta Public Schools a place where every student can thrive.

2026 Alonzo A. Crim Award Recipients:

Patrick Phillips, Social Worker, Continental Colony Elementary School

Mr. Phillips advances equity through relationship-centered mentorship, culturally responsive programming, and restorative support for students. Through the Cubs for Panthers boys mentoring group and photography club, he builds Black and Brown students’ confidence, social-emotional skills, leadership, creativity, and sense of belonging while expanding access to enriching opportunities. His proactive advocacy has strengthened school climate, improved mentees’ behavior and peer relationships, and connected families with meaningful support.

Tania Wismer, Exceptional Education Teacher, Hank Aaron Academy

Ms. Wismer is an equity-focused educator and leader who uses trauma-informed, restorative, and culturally responsive practices to meet students’ diverse learning needs. She studies individual student learning profiles, adapts instruction, and advocates for inclusive Exceptional Education supports that remove barriers to success. As GO Team president at Sutton and North Atlanta, she has also applied an equity lens to policy and budgeting decisions, including addressing disproportionate enforcement of dress-code policies.

Mikayla Davis, Performing Arts Teacher, South Atlanta High School

Ms. Davis has transformed music education at South Atlanta High School by ensuring students can access instruments, materials, instruction, and performance opportunities regardless of prior musical experience. She combines high expectations with responsive support, helping students develop technical skills, creative expression, and confidence. Her culturally responsive approach has broadened participation and elevated the music program’s impact across the school community.

Melinda Redmond, Exceptional Education Lead Teacher, Perkerson Elementary

Ms. Redmond ensures that students with disabilities receive meaningful, inclusive support, not simply compliant services on paper. She partners with teachers and families to differentiate instruction, remove barriers, strengthen advocacy, and use data to prioritize student growth and well-being. Her leadership has helped create a school culture in which student dignity, family partnership, inclusion, and shared responsibility are central to decision-making.

Chanae Freeman, Social Worker, Hutchinson Elementary

Ms. Freeman advances equity by leading attendance, restorative-practice, family-engagement, and culturally inclusive initiatives. Her MTSS-aligned “Every Day Counts” program, Attendance Ambassadors, and monthly celebrations helped raise attendance from 69% to 78%, while restorative and social-emotional supports contributed to a decrease in behavioral referrals. She also builds belonging through efforts such as the schoolwide Hispanic Heritage Month program and ensures ESOL students, students with disabilities, and their families receive coordinated support.

Kenya Tucker, Exceptional Education Teacher, Carver High School Early College

Ms. Tucker is an innovative educator who expands access, belonging, independence, and high expectations for students on the Autism Spectrum and other students with disabilities. She combines restorative practices, individualized behavior supports, accessible and sensory-conscious instruction, life-skills learning, and enriching community partnerships, including therapeutic services at Chastain Horse Park, to reduce exclusion and promote student growth. From supporting students in publishing a book and navigating MARTA independently to providing family food support, she demonstrates a holistic commitment to students’ academic, social, and community success.

Rosana Sanchez, Exceptional Education Teacher, Scott Elementary

Ms. Sanchez advances equity for students with disabilities by embedding access and differentiation into co-planning with general education teachers from the start. As a Spanish-speaking educator, she strengthens trust and belonging for Hispanic families, empowers parents to understand their rights, and advocates for consistent use of professional interpretation and translation services. Her commitment to ESOL certification, inclusive instructional practice, and student self-advocacy has improved family engagement, communication, and student voice across the school community.

Maynard Jackson High School, Principal Kimberley Latchman

Maynard Jackson High School, under Dr. Latchman’s leadership, has built an inclusive, equity-centered culture that elevates student voice, honors lived experiences, and supports courageous dialogue on complex issues. The school empowers students to understand their rights and participate responsibly in civic life while celebrating its diverse community through substantive cultural programming, including Hispanic cultural festivals, Chinese New Year, and Black History Month. Through culturally responsive leadership and meaningful family, staff, and student engagement, MJHS demonstrates that diversity is a source of collective strength and learning.

Congratulations to all of our Crim Champions! Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and the APS community.